The Detroit Lions have secured a popular trade target at the NFL trade deadline.

After days of speculation, the Lions finally decided to acquire Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith along with a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.

After general manager Brad Holmes decided to address the team’s biggest weakness by adding a proven veteran, the Lions are now considered one of the most complete rosters in the NFL.

“I think they were Super Bowl contenders before the change,” said co-host Christian Booher. “I think now that they’ve made the move, you’ve addressed your biggest weakness, it’s hard to say they shouldn’t be one of the Super Bowl favorites going forward. I think when you look at how this squad is constructed, the consensus is that you have to score 30 points to beat the Lions.”

The Lions’ defense improves with the trade, while the offense has been nearly the best in the league all year. Considering how comprehensive Detroit’s offense is, the composition of their roster makes a compelling case for being the best in the league.

“You have to score to beat the Lions. I think if Detroit doesn’t beat themselves, and we saw that quite a bit against Tampa Bay in their only loss in Week 2, as long as they don’t beat.” “They’re going to have a hard time losing games,” Booher said. “Everyone’s sole belief and buy-in to the unique vision is truly impressive. I think a lot of other teams that are considered contenders can probably take notes just based on the culture and low drama that Allen Park brings.”

The latest “Lone Wolves” podcast examines the impact of the team’s Za’Darius Smith trade, analyzing the team’s win over Green Bay, the firing of Brian Branch, before looking at Detroit’s Week 10 showdown with the Houston Texans throws.

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